” We are concerned about the situation in Myanmar regarding the lack of respect for human rights and the use of violence with the loss of lives.

It is reported that in the towns and villages of Rakhine state, people have endured murder, beatings, starvation, disease, rape, and now exile, with their homes being systematically torched behind them.

The European Buddhist Union reaffirms the fundamental principles of Buddhism, as already declared by many of the world’s foremost Buddhist leaders in their statement addressed to Buddhists in Myanmar in December 2012:

“ We wish to reaffirm to the world and to support you in practicing the most fundamental Buddhist principles of non-harming, mutual respect and compassion.

These fundamental principles taught by the Buddha are at the core of Buddhist practice:

Buddhist teaching is based on the precepts of refraining from killing and causing harm.

As European Buddhists we stand up for these values and we reaffirm our solidarity with all the victims of violence, harm and persecution.

We express our aspiration for the restoration of peace, non-violence and respect for human rights as well as the creation of the conditions for all ethnic groups in Myanmar to live in peaceful coexistence and equality. “